The ponies and Spike all were slowly growing weary and tired. The road just continued with seemingly no end in sight. No signs of civilization had ever crossed their path, and dread began to take hold of the group. The stillness and quiet of the woods did them no favors.
“Ugh, how much longer?” Spike complained. “My feet are starting to hurt.”
“I think that's true for all of us, Spike,” Twilight responded.
“It's been hours since I had anything to eat,” Pinkie Pie moaned. “My poor tummy's rumbling...”
“I hope we can find a town soon,” Rarity wished. “This forest is just dreadful on my hooves.”
“Ugh, Twilight, we are going nowhere!” Rainbow Dash spoke. “Does anyone have any idea about where this place is?”
“No one has a darn lickin' clue, Dash!” Applejack replied. “We haven't seen any signs or anything that would lead to a town!”
“Do you think Nightshade set that trap to get at us?” Fluttershy questioned. “I mean, it seems to be doing just that.” A dark air hung over the group from Fluttershy's words. The severity of the situation was taking a toll on all of their psyches. They collectively reeked of desperation, and they needed some forward momentum if they were to catch Nightshade and find Luna.
Some bushes on the right hand side of the road began to rustle. All of the ponies turned to look. They rustled again.
“Uh, Fluttershy? Any idea what that might be?” Rainbow Dash nervously asked.
Fluttershy shook her head, “It's not a little forest critter, I can tell you that much,” She answered. The ponies all stared intently at the side of the road, as the rustling sound grew in volume. Whatever it was, it was getting closer.
“Umm, Twilight? I think we should go,” Applejack suggested nervously.
Twilight faced the bushes and bent over in an aggressive posture. “No way! It could be Nightshade!”
“What?” Rarity piped. “You really think so, Twilight?”
Twilight continued to stare at the bushes. “It could be,” She reasoned. “He might try to strike when we're vulnerable!”
“Twilight, you're starting to scare me...” Pinkie Pie uttered.
“Get ready, girls!” Twilight demanded. “It's getting closer!” In the bushes beyond the road, Twilight could make out a large shadow approaching the group. Her eyes struggled to make out a shape in the darkness, but it was there. The others saw it as well.
The shadow moved through the brush, rattling them in its wake. It came close to the edge of the road, causing Fluttershy to emit a small scream. Twilight's posture grew more and more rigid. The moonlight slowly revealed the creature in the brush. As it stepped onto the road, it was clear that the shadow wasn't Nightshade at all, but a lone male griffin with a jet black head and a white body with black spots. He had a small basket at his shoulderblade.
“Whoa, hey, easy!” The griffin sputtered, noticing Twilight about to attack him. Twilight eased her posture. “Everyone OK?” The griffin asked.
Twilight stared at the griffin, confused. “Yeah, we're fine,” Twilight answered. “But what are you doing here?”
The griffin sat on it's haunches. “I was going to ask you the same question,” The griffin replied. “I was out collecting herbs in the early morning, then suddenly I heard you. I went over to see who it was, then bam! Here we are.”
“Well, this certainly is a surprise,” Rarity remarked. “We haven't seen any sapient life out here for hours.”
“Yeah, you're pretty far out,” the griffin replied. “The next town isn't for 15 miles.”
“What?” Rainbow Dash uttered, surprised. “How far out from Manehattan are we?”
“Manehattan?” The griffin replied. “I'd say least 30 to 40 miles north of Manehattan.” Rainbow Dash's face contorted with shock. “But I'm surprised,” the griffin continued. “I would have thought that travelers would know their way.”
“Um, it's a long story,” Twilight mentioned.
The griffin raised his eyebrow, then let out a sigh. “Well, whatever,” He stated. “You're welcome to come to my place. I need to drop these off.” He gestured to his basket.
“Oh, thank you, Mr. Griffin!” Rarity cheered. “You are truly a gentleman! This trail has been murder on my hooves!”
The griffin laughed and responded, “My name's Siegfried.” He motioned towards the woods. “Well then, shall we go?”
Fifteen minutes later.
Siegfried's house was warm and cozy, and the furniture nice and soft; it was the perfect antidote for weariness. The ponies all laid down and rested their hooves in various areas of the living room. Spike had found a small chair, and had curled up on it. Rarity and Fluttershy had taken up one of the large couches, while Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie took up the other one. Twilight took up residence in a large armchair, while Siegfried was standing near the entrance.
“Everyone comfortable?” He asked.
“Yeah...” The group collectively replied.
“Well, good!” Siegfried remarked.
“I can't believe you have such a wonderful home so far out of the way!” Rarity wondered aloud. “Why do you even live out here, anyway?”
“Well, I just like peace and quiet,” Siegfried remarked. “I figure if I want to socialize, I can just hit the next town over. Or at least contact some of my friends.” Siegfried looked curiously at the group. “But I have to ask, what were you ponies doing out there?”
“Well...” Twilight Sparkle began. “We're looking for someone.”
“Oh?” Siegfried uttered.
Rainbow Dash shot a nervous glance at Twilight. “Twilight, are you sure it's a good idea to tell him what we're doing out here?” She questioned.
“Yes it is, Rainbow Dash,” Twilight answered. “We need all the help we can get. Besides, he hasn't done anything to hurt us.”
“I'm not sure I follow,” Siegfried said. “But I'm glad I've earned your trust.”
Twilight turned toward Siegfried. “I suppose I should explain,” She began. “See, we're looking for a wanted pony.”
Siegfried's eyes shot up in alarm. “A wanted pony?” He exclaimed. “There's someone like that running around?”
“Yeah,” Applejack answered. “We were in Manehattan looking for him.”
“This wanted pony, what did he or she look like?” Siegfried inquired.
“Well, he's very tall,” Fluttershy began. “He's got a dark purple coat, and a rose Cutie Mark. He also wears a wide-brimmed hat.”
Siegfried's expression was grim and terrified. “Oh, dear...” He uttered.
“What?” Pinkie Pie asked.
Siegfried averted his gaze. “Well, someone came by last night that fit that description...” He admitted.
“What?” the group yelled.
“Yeah,” Siegfried replied. “Said he was looking for something in the mountains East of here.”
“Did you get his name by any chance?” Rarity asked.
“Yes,” Siegfried answered. “He said his name was Nightshade.”
The group all gasped. “Well, that's it, then,” Twilight declared. “We're going to the Eastern mountains.” Twilight got off the chair and started to move toward the entrance.
“Wait!” Siegfried pleaded. “Are you really sure you should be going after someone like that?”
“We're on a mission,” Twilight explained. “We have no choice but to go after him.” She turned toward the group. “Isn't that right, girls?” The ponies all shouted and hooted in agreement.
Siegfried sighed. “Well, it seems I can't do anything to stop you,” He said. He moved away from the entrance. “Just be safe.”
“We will. Thank you for your hospitality, Siegfried,” Twilight replied. She looked back toward the group. “C'mon everypony! Let's go!” She trotted over past to the entrance, when she noticed that Spike was still curled up on the chair. “Let's go, Spike! We need to catch Nightshade!”
Spike rolled away from Twilight, groaning. “C'mon, Twilight, just give me a few minutes...” Spike moaned.
“Spike!” Twilight shouted, more forcefully this time. Spike leapt out of the chair, and over to Twilight's side.
“Yeah, yeah,” Spike acknowledged. “Man, that chair was so comfy...”
Twilight giggled. “Don't worry, Spike. We'll take a big siesta when we catch Nightshade!” Spike seemed relieved by this, and hopped onto Twilight's back. The other ponies quickly followed suit.
“Bye! Good luck!” Siegfried called. “Be safe!” The ponies closed the door after them. Siegfried's friendly expression dropped, and contorted into something resembling guilt. Siegfried let himself dwell on his thoughts for a few minutes, then sighed. He then called into the next room. “You can come out now,” He said.
Nightshade stepped into the room, his presence casting a dark shadow over Siegfried. He had a serious look on his face. “Did she believe you?”
“Without question,” Siegfried answered. “She's really nice. She reminds me of...” Siegfried stopped before saying his next word.
Nightshade looked puzzled. “Of who?” he asked.
Siegfried shook his head. “No one,” he replied.
Nightshade stewed on that answer for a bit, then entered the living room. Siegfried turned to face him.
“Nightshade...are you sure about this?” He asked nervously. “What we're about to do...I don't think anyone will forgive us.”
Nightshade took up residence on the armchair where Twilight was sitting, and looked Siegfried straight in the eye. “We don't need to ask for forgiveness,” He explained. “Rather, it's they who need to ask for forgiveness from us. There is no excuse for what they did to us...to her.”
“I know that, Nightshade,” Siegfried replied. “I know that better than most. But still, I really have some apprehension about doing this.”
“Nothing was gained without sacrifice, Siegfried,” Nightshade responded. “If we need to throw away our reputations and our well-beings to achieve a better world, then so be it.”
“But...oh...” Siegfried stuttered. He averted his gaze from Nightshade. Nightshade, seeing Siegfried avoid him so, got off the chair, and approached Siegfried.
“What troubles you, my friend?” Nightshade inquired. He looked at Siegfried with honest compassion and sincerity.
Siegfried, struck by Nightshade's earnestness, responded, “It's just...I don't know if what we're doing is right.”
Nightshade maintained his earnest gaze, and asked, “Let me ask you this, what life-forms did my audience consist of when I abducted Luna?”
Siegfried shot a glance at Nightshade. “You don't need to remind me of the homogeneous nature of Equestria's population, Nightshade,” he protested. “I'm wondering whether or not it's OK to make everyone be friends.”
Nightshade moved over to the other end of the living room. “Not only is it OK to do such a thing, Siegfried, it is absolutely necessary,” Nightshade argued. “Listen. Don't worry about a thing. Once Eclair and Adflatus get what we need, everything will just fall into place. You'll see.”
“I hope so, Nightshade,” Siegfried replied. “I don't want to feel an ounce of regret.”
Nightshade smiled at Siegfried. “You won't,” he assured. “Now if you'll excuse me, I must go. More arrangements need to be made.”
“Yeah,” Siegfried replied.
“In the meantime, think about what I said,” Nightshade suggested. Nightshade's horn began to glow. A flash brightened the room, and when it disappeared, so did Nightshade. Siegfried looked away from where disappeared, his hunger for answers still not satisfied.
30 minutes later.
The sun was just peeking over the horizon as the ponies made their way to the mountains. The trails grew more rugged and harsh on the ponies' hooves, but the discomfort did little to deter them. Twilight Sparkle gazed at the distant mountaintops, wondering where in this mighty mass of earth Nightshade would be hiding. Perhaps she should have asked Siegfried.
Rainbow Dash flew enthusiastically over towards Twilight, clutching a large piece of cloth in her hooves. “Hey, Twilight!” she excitedly called. “Look what I found!”
Twilight and the other ponies all gathered around Rainbow Dash and stared at the cloth. “What is it, Rainbow Dash?” Twilight asked.
Rainbow Dash landed on the ground, and spread the cloth out. She then looked at Twilight, smiling. “Look familiar?”
Twilight stared at it for a moment. It was a black cape, with an aura of familiarity around it. Twilight gasped when she figured out what it was. “This is Nightshade's cape! The same one he used to abduct Luna!” She declared.
Rainbow Dash nodded in agreement. “Yup! The very same!” she replied. “That means Nightshade and Luna have to be close!”
Applejack approached the group. “Where in the wide world of Equestria did you find this, Dash?” She asked.
“I found it snagged between some rocks in front of a cave not far from here,” Rainbow Dash answered. “C'mon! I can take you right to it!” Rainbow Dash took to the air once more, and began to fly north. The other ponies galloped after her.
Twilight could feel her heart race. At last, a chance to capture Nightshade! She rushed forward with everything she had; the scenery blurred around her as she ran. A mixture of excitement and apprehension filled her thoughts. Would Nightshade be expecting them? Would there be another trap? Still, she pressed on. There was only one course of action for her to take; there was no way she could ignore a possible lead to Princess Luna.
Rainbow Dash touched down a few meters away. The ponies all galloped up to her, stopping in front of a large cave entrance. The cave was ominous, but it beckoned Twilight forward into its depths.
“So, uh, where'd you say you found that cape again?” Applejack questioned.
Rainbow Dash pointed to a pile of rocks stacked on the left end of the cave entrance. “Right there,” She said. The ponies all turned to look.
“I wonder why he would leave his cape right there?” Rarity wondered aloud.
“He's probably expecting us!” Twilight Sparkle barked.
“You think?” Spike asked nervously.
“Get ready, everypony!” Twilight addressed the group. “Who knows what we're going to find in there!” Twilight moved into the cave, followed by all the other ponies.
The darkness of the cave swallowed them all up completely, and the cave was so still that all they could hear was their footsteps. Twilight couldn't make out a single shape in the blackness, so she figured she would have to provide a light source.
“Let me light things up,” Twilight announced. She focused and forced magical energy into her horn. Within seconds, a blinding light had emerged from the tip, giving the ponies the ability to see the craggy limestone walls of the cave. “Stay close,” Twilight cautioned. “The last thing we want is for Nightshade to pick us off one by one.”
“I wholeheartedly agree, darling,” Rarity concurred with some nervousness.
The cave continued for several meters, never branching. Were it not for the copious amounts of stalagmites and other rock formations, Twilight would have thought it a pony-made tunnel. There were no animals in the cave with them, not even bats. The stillness of the cave was absolutely unsettling, and were it not for the other ponies backing her up, Twilight would have lost all vestige of rational thought. They trotted for what seemed like a minute or two, never running into anything of note, until Twilight saw what she thought was a faint light in the distance.
She stopped, and the others stopped with her. “Do you guys see that?” she whispered.
“Yes,” Fluttershy replied, scared. “It looks like we're not alone after all.” It was just after she finished her sentences that the footsteps started to reverberate off of the cave walls. They were soft, barely audible, but they were there.
Twilight strained her eyes, looking at the light. It was soft and orange, and barely gave any hints as to what was emitting it. The light seemed to be growing in radius. Twlight could only figure out one reason why: whatever was carrying it was getting closer.
Rainbow Dash flew in front of Twilight and addressed the light. “All right, Nightshade!” She yelled. “Ready to pony up this time?”
The light grew close enough to reveal the shape of the figure carrying it. It was a diamond dog, with a thin, slender build and a thick, shaggy, golden coat. It carried a lantern in its left paw, which no doubt was the source of the orange light, and had a knapsack slung across its body.
“Nightshade?” The diamond dog asked in a feminine-sounding voice, confused. “Unknown person. Think you need eyes. Or head examination.”
Rainbow Dash was caught completely off-guard; her mouth hung open slightly. “Wha? You're not Nightshade!” Rainbow Dash observed. “Who are you?”
“Would ask same question,” The diamond dog replied.
Fluttershy came up front, and chimed in on the conversation, “Um, I apologize. That's Rainbow Dash. I'm Fluttershy,” She clarified. “We're looking for a unicorn named Nightshade. Have you seen him?”
“Describe appearance,” the diamond dog requested.
“Huh?” Fluttershy stumbled, not sure what the diamond dog was asking at first. “Oh, OK. Umm, he's dark purple, wears a large hat, and has a rose Cutie Mark. Have you seen him?”
“Perhaps,” the diamond dog replied. “Payment necessary for further information.”
Rarity stared at the diamond dog in complete disbelief. “Are you asking us for money?” She exclaimed, shocked. “Ugh, what a typical diamond dog! Valuing material wealth over others!”
The diamond dog shook her head, ignoring Rarity's comment. “Not money,” she clarified. “Trinkets will suffice.”
Twilight raised her eyebrow. “Trinkets?” She asked.
The diamond dog pointed to her throat. “Trinkets,” She repeated. “Around necks.”
The ponies all looked down to the base of their necks. Each one was wearing their Element of Harmony around their neck, save for Twilight, who wore hers as a crown. The ponies were all stunned when they figured out that they were what the diamond dog wanted.
“We can't give you these!” Applejack protested. “These are the Elements of, uh.” She stopped when she saw the other ponies were staring her down, beckoning her not to reveal the true nature of the objects. “Uh, I mean, these are very important!”
“No trinkets, no info,” the diamond dog said, resolute.
Rainbow Dash let out an annoyed groan. “Forget you, then!” she declared. “We'll just go further in and look for him ourselves!”
“You will not,” the diamond dog replied. She began reaching into her bag for something.
Rainbow Dash just looked at the diamond dog, flustered. “Oh yeah?” She questioned. “Well, why not?”
The diamond dog set the lantern down. She pulled out what looked like a plain-white ball from out of her bag, and covered her nose and mouth with her free paw.
“Oooh! Are we gonna play a game?” Pinkie bubbled.
With as much force as it could muster, the diamond dog threw the ball into the ground underneath the ponies. It burst into a thick white smoke, and the smoke spread among the group. They all began to cough violently. Twilight felt as though her throat was going to be hacked out of her mouth.
Through the smoke, Twilight could see the diamond dog slowly backing away, her paw never leaving her mouth. Twilight lurched forward towards the retreating diamond dog, and struggled to speak. “Hey! Cough, cough. What's the, cough, big, cough...idea....” she demanded. She could feel her legs slowly weaken beneath her, unable to support her growing weight. She collapsed on the hard cave ground, feeling no pain due to her dulled senses, and slowly began to lapse into unconsciousness.